This was written as a drabble for a challenge at the LotR_Community on Livejournal. The theme was "pairs" and my elements were "boy" and "girl."
It's a small moment that takes place during Bilbo's Farewell Party in 3001/1401 SR. Enjoy!
The Melody Changes, But the Beat Stays the Same
Relieved of his guest-greeting duties, Frodo was finally able to sit down and eat when the music started up. Fortunately he remained at his table unmolested. He took the moment to look around and see what his friends were doing. And then he noticed Merry Brandybuck asking Estella Bolger to dance.
He smiled at how they had changed over the years. They were still very young, of course: Merry was still a spotty boy and Estella a doughy girl. But he remembered how Merry would pull her braids and how she would tattle on him.
He was not surprised whatsoever.